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HEAVY DUTY PAVEMENTS IN INTERLOCKING CONCRETE

It is pointed out that because of the elegant appearance of interlocking concrete paving blocks the structural benefits are not always remembered. Some of these are the hardness of the surface together with strength and durability. Additionally ground settlements which would damage cast in-situ materials can be readily accommodated and the interlocking concrete block can be relevelled, repaired or even relocated with negligible additional material cost. The features of interlocking concrete paving are described and the benefits due to the ease of laying are noted. A brief note is made on applications. The article also deals with design of the paving with the aid of a design chart showing the required cover thickness for various traffic loads. Subbase requirements are also discussed again with reference to design charts. The author concludes that with increasing demand and volume the economics of interlocking paving are likely to become increasingly favourable. (TRRL)